HVAC Technology at Fortis College-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · Private for-profit · Certificate · Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)

a smaller institution with 265 students in Indianapolis, IN.

Program Analysis

At $36,981/yr, HVAC Technology graduates from Fortis College-Indianapolis land near the $36,779 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 31.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI HVAC Technology programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic scenarios is just 12% — this trade's hands-on core resists automation.

The median debt load of $11,704 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #154 of 260 HVAC Technology programs, Fortis College-Indianapolis falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $42,970 are relatively flat compared to the $36,981 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

HVAC Technology offers 15 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
48
Low End
49
Score
49
High End
Earnings $36,981/yr (1% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (89% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$440K
3.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
31.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
1 of 1
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$14,116
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,704
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,970
16% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for HVAC Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers $59,810 +8.1% 89%
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
$59,810
+8.1% growth 89% AI-proof

HVAC Technology Career Guide

Explore what HVAC Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 260 programs nationwide.

Read the full HVAC Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

HVAC Technology Overview

HVAC Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fortis College-Indianapolis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for HVAC Technology at Fortis College-Indianapolis?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring HVAC Technology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is HVAC Technology from Fortis College-Indianapolis a future-proof career choice?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. HVAC Technology work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Fortis College-Indianapolis's score of 49/100 reflects this durability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for HVAC Technology graduates?
Beyond Fortis College-Indianapolis's classroom route, 15 registered apprenticeships map to HVAC Technology careers — including Air & Hydronic Balancing Technician. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →